Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever

An infectious viral disease transmitted by day

Transmission

Occurs when infected mosquitoes bite humans in both urban and sylvatic settings, with mosquitoes breeding around houses and in forests.

Incubation Period

Typically 3 to 6 days after exposure before symptoms appear.

Symptoms

Initially causes fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting; in a small percentage, a toxic phase ensues with high fever, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding, leading to a 50% mortality rate in that phase.

Vaccine & Prevention

Preventable by a safe and affordable vaccine that provides lifelong protection with a single dose; additional prevention includes vector control measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and employing insecticide

Global Burden

Modeling studies estimated that in 2013, yellow fever resulted in 84,000–170,000 severe cases and 29,000–60,000 deaths in Africa, highlighting its significant public health impact and potential for international spread.

WHO Response

The WHO’s EYE strategy focuses on epidemic preparedness, mass vaccination, vector surveillance, and integrated urban readiness to eliminate yellow fever epidemics and protect nearly 1 billion people by the end of 2026.